How Far in Advance Should You Schedule Aesthetic Services?
Life is full of special events for which you want to look your best. That’s why here at Northeast Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Center, we’ve developed this handy planner to let you know how far in advance you should schedule your special event skin care services. (You don’t want to show up red-faced or peeling because you didn’t plan well!)
How Long Before My Special Event Should I Get Skin Treatments?
One of the biggest mistakes we see is not allowing enough time before the big day or special event to achieve the skin you want. Certain procedures and treatments need time to work, and knowing this in advance can set you up for success. Ideally, it is best to meet with your dermatologist at least six months before a big event like your wedding, since some treatments may take longer than others to achieve your desired result.
Work with your dermatologist to evaluate what exactly you want out of your skin care. With their help, you can set specific (and achievable) goals for yourself—whether these are reducing acne, increasing collagen production, diminishing fine lines or wrinkles, or simply hydrating the skin. Setting a plan allows us to create a routine and timeline that makes sense for you and puts you on track toward an attainable result for your event.
What are some of the most common things people look for in special event skin care?
1. Treating Wrinkles
Whether it’s a wedding or other special event, if you’re doing the planning and prep work, you may be looking a bit more tired than you’d like! Lines between the eyebrows or around your eyes (crow’s feet) can add to the look of exhaustion.
We typically recommend Botox, Dysport, or Jeuveau for these skin imperfections. Treatment should be performed two to three weeks before your event.
These products are especially effective in treating wrinkles in the upper face as well as relaxing and smoothing lines on the forehead and between the eyebrows. Results tend to last three to four months (depending on how fast your body metabolizes the product), so you will still be looking fresh after the big event has passed!
>>Best time for wrinkle treatments: Two to three weeks before the event
2. Excessive Underarm Sweating
Excessive underarm sweating (known as hyperhidrosis) can be a real confidence killer. Sweat stains on your fancy dress or suit can really put a damper on your ability to enjoy your event. Thankfully, there are both prescriptions and cosmetic options to treat this condition:
We recommend starting topical therapy at least a month out from your special event.
Dysport, Botox, and Jeauveu can be beneficial treatments for this condition. Injections are made into the underarms. This can help reduce sweating in the area for up to six months for most individuals. We recommend you come in at least three weeks before your event for optimal results. There may be a slight risk of bruising and swelling that can last up to a week, but with ample planning will be gone before your event.
If you are looking for more permanent results, miraDry might be right for you. miraDry is a nonsurgical, FDA-cleared treatment that uses electromagnetic energy to painlessly reduce the number of underarm sweat and odor glands, eliminating excessive sweating.
While one treatment will give patients around 80% reduction in sweat, some patients would like more control and will undergo a second treatment. Because of this we recommend having your miraDry treatment six months before your event date in order to allow multiple sessions to be done if needed.
>>Best time for treatment: One month before for topical treatment and injectables; six months before for miraDry
3. Acne
Acne is one of the most common conditions that people come in to treat before a big event. Stress can often lead to an increase in breakouts, and let’s face it – we all want perfect skin for important milestones!
There are many wonderful treatment options to help get acne under control, but it does take time for these regimens to work. We advise coming into the office at least three months before your event, but six months is even better. If you are worried about correcting acne scars you may need to plan for more time.
>>Best time for treatment: Three to six months before the event.
4. Dull Skin
Everyone wants to look their best for a big event, and there are several ways to help elevate the tone and texture of your skin.
Microdermabrasion and chemical peels can be great for brightening and rejuvenating the skin. We recommend coming in two weeks prior to your special event.
Microdermabrasion uses a minimally abrasive instrument to gently exfoliate your skin, removing the thicker, uneven outer layer. This can lead to brighter, more even complexions.
Chemical peels come in various types and strengths and can help with everything from minimizing fine lines to minimizing the appearance of pores and brightening your complexion.
>>Best time for treatment: Two weeks before the event.
5. Submental Fullness (double chin) or Bra Fat
Having a double chin or bra fat in photos is something many of us fear, but those stubborn pockets of fat can be treated effectively, leaving you worry free for photos.
Kybella and CoolSculpting are two great ways to target these areas and get you picture perfect. These treatments should happen at least six months prior to the special event, but specific treatment options will vary and are listed below.
Kybella– Kybella is an injectable treatment that dissolves fat cells to reduce small areas of excess fat. Kybella is injected in a series of treatments. On average, patients need at least two treatments. The results can take two to three months to be noticeable.
Coolsculpting– CoolSculpting is a noninvasive way to target fat by freezing unwanted fat with no downtime. Most patients need two treatments and it can take anywhere from six to twelve weeks to see results, so it is recommended that treatment be done six months prior to the event.
>>Best time for treatment: Three months before the event for Kybella; six months before for CoolSculpting.
6. Brown Spots
Brown spots sometimes can be difficult to cover with makeup, making that perfect glow hard to achieve. Brown spots (or freckles) can be treated with a laser known as Yag. As discoloration or brown spots commonly present on the face, neck, and chest, these are all areas that can be treated. Treatment should occur three to four months before your event, so be sure to keep that timing in mind when scheduling your consultation.
>>Best time to treat: three to four months before the event.
7. Facial Redness
Redness on the face can be difficult to cover up with makeup. Men can find it even more challenging, as coverage and concealing options are more limited. Whether redness is caused by stress, heat, or a skin condition called rosacea, redness can be reduced significantly by using a laser known as PDL (Pulse dye laser).
Multiple treatments may be needed and treatments are typically spaced out, with four to six weeks in between. We recommend coming in at least three to five months in advance of the event to allow plenty of time to squeeze in a few treatments and achieve your best results before the special day.
>>Best time to treat: three to five months before your event.
As you can see, there are many options when it comes to rejuvenating your skin before a special event.
Schedule a consultation as soon as you can, and let us help you achieve an ideal treatment plan and timeline. Planning special event skin care well ahead of time will ensure you get to enjoy your event to the fullest!